Jakarta, Jokowi takes office: peace, unity and development key steps of mandate
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Restoring Indonesia's key role
in maritime trade and the nations' commitment to fostering peace on an
international level, with a position of "neutrality" with respect to
major conflicts in the region, strengthening the principles of "unity"
and collaboration "working side by side": these are all "essential"
elements on the road to making the nation a "great country." These are the
principles outlined today by the new president of Indonesia Joko "Jokowi"
Widodo, who officially began his mandate (along with the vice-president Jusuf Kalla)
in front of hundreds of parliamentarians and 18 high-profile representatives of
foreign nations.
Known by the nickname "Jokowi," the 53 year old head of state was
sworn in at a ceremony held this morning in Jakarta, where he was governor before
competing in the last election. He is the seventh president in the history of
Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation in the world, and the first not to have
ties with the leaders of national politics and the army.
At least 24 thousand members of the security forces, including police and soldiers
patrolled the streets of a capital celebrating the inauguration of the mandate.
Jokowi, the son of a carpenter came to power thanks to his image as a "man
of the people", he promised to devote much attention to health and
education. However, he will face stiff opposition in Parliament, where two-thirds
of the seats are the prerogative of the coalition that supported Prabowo Subianto
in the last presidential election.
The ceremony was also attended by outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and
his deputy Boediono, as well as the challenger Prabowo Subianto, indicating a newfound
unity - at least on this occasion - in the country and national politics. In his
speech Jokowi recalled that Indonesia is an archipelago, and for this reason
must focus on intra-island maritime transport which, to date, is still low. He also
wanted to thank his predecessor Yudhoyono for being able to keep the peace in
the 10 years in office.
In the afternoon there will be a welcoming ceremony of the new Chief of the
Presidential Palace, with the handover between Yudhoyono and Jokowi. In the
streets of the capital there will be public festivities attended by thousands
of citizens.
Commenting on her husband's political rise to power, the "first lady" Iriana Joko Widodo has assured that he "will always be the same: a simple and hardworking man."
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